25 Seriously Awesome Places to Spend a Relaxing Vacation

Tucked away just east of Tweed Valley Forest Park in Scotland is the perfect little town to spend a relaxing vacation. Unlike the hustle and bustle in Edinburgh, Berwickshire is quiet and calm.

It features quaint cottages, magnificent castles, sandy beaches, and high cliffs. The stunning countryside makes for an ideal and tranquil getaway.

More than 140 subtropical islands make up New Zealand’s Bay of Islands. Every year, thousands of visitors travel to the country’s North Island for big-game fishing, astonishing waterfront views, and rich cultural experience.

There is a good mixture of relaxation and adventure in store for anyone planning their next vacation to the Bay of Islands. A sunset winetasting at the Omata Estate Vineyard is a spectacular way to end a tranquil day.  

Some of the best cultural wonders of Hungary are located in the historic capital of Budapest. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy a bit of Hungarian pampering at the Széchenyi Thermal Baths.

The hot springs and over 21 pools aren’t the only features offered by this health and wellness center. A day ticket grants guests full access to saunas, aquafitness classes, and a fully equipped gym.

After you enjoy an afternoon at the spa, stroll around the historic district and sample a piece of cake from the Artizán Bakery.

Picturesque shores and sandy beaches grace the town of Cape Elizabeth. Its striking scenery is a sight for sore eyes.

One of the best ways to explore the quaint town is by bike. Cruising up and down the coast, you’ll surely discover the Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse, one of its most famous historic features. The stunning lighthouse provides the perfect backdrop for a lovely picnic or a glass of wine on the beach.

When someone imagines a relaxing vacation, they typically picture a tropical oasis. Bora Bora, an island northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia, is the epitome of paradise.

If you have the opportunity to stay at the Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort, you won’t regret it. The hotel offers its guests an unforgettable experience. Everywhere you look, you’ll find breathtaking panoramic views and the ocean’s crystal blue water flows underneath every lodging hut.

Tucked away in the Cascade Mountains is a Bavarian-styled village. Leavenworth is known for its German-inspired village. Every year, thousands of visitors flock to central Washington to experience Leavenworth’s Oktoberfest.

Festivities begin the first three weekends of October and there are plenty of fun activities the whole family can enjoy. If you are looking for a little less hustle and bustle, you might want to visit during the quieter winter seasons.

The Alps and Jura Mountains tower over the historic city of Geneva, providing some astonishing views. As you stroll down both the newer portions of the city and the historic ones, you’ll find them to be refreshingly clean.

A relaxing itinerary would include a morning boat ride around Lake Geneva followed by an outdoor lunch enjoyed in the Central Historic District. It is suggested that visitors end their perfect day with a decadent piece of chocolate from Du Rhône Chocolatier.

Gorgeous crystal blue waters that hug Navagio Beach are just part of what makes the Ionian Island so magical. As you walk towards the coast of Zakynthos, you are greeted by a scene that resembles something out of a pirate’s tale.

Sitting ever so gracefully on the edge of the shore is the shipwrecked MV Panagiotis. The cargo ship wrecked in 1980. Navagio Beach also boasts secluded coves, verdant valleys, and beautiful beaches.

Depending on where you live, a flight to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, could be quite the journey. That’s why it’s important to add a day or two to your vacation to account for jetlag.

As soon as you land, you are greeted by breathtaking landscapes. The towering limestone islands and the gorgeous emerald waters are just some of the natural beauties that await you. A stay at the Vinpear Resort & Spa offers its guests the highest quality of peace and relaxation.

Tranquillity and relaxation await you at St. Augustine, Florida. The historic district lays claim to being the oldest city in the United States. It was founded in September of 1565 by Spanish admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés.

The city’s year-round mild climate makes it perfect for enjoying a beach day or an afternoon stroll down its cobblestone streets. St. Augustine is an ideal destination the whole family can enjoy.

Imagine bathing in the earth’s warm volcanic waters. The Blue Lagoon offers its guests a rare experience to harmonize with nature. While submerged in nature’s mineral water, your body’s aches and pains will melt away.

The water’s healing properties can help loosen muscle stiffness. It has also been credited for having healing effects on psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Guests can also retreat to the spa for an exquisite subterranean message.

Walking around Granada, Spain, is almost like taking a stroll through ancient history. The culturally rich city is filled with grand medieval architecture, royal palaces, and breathtaking landscapes.

The Lonely Planet has nicknamed the city the land of a thousand castles. To truly experience what Granada has to offer, it is suggested that visitors see the Alhambra palace and the Nasrid palaces and then experience a sunset overlooking the Mirador de San Nicolás.

New Mexico boasts some of the most diverse terrains you will find anywhere. Driving through the land of enchantment, you can quite easily go from vast deserts to snowy mountain peaks.

The town of Taos sits in the northern region of New Mexico. Its historic adobe buildings help immerse you into the traditional Native American culture.

One of the many wonderful aspects of Taos is its fusion of Pueblo and Mexican cuisine. Don’t leave without trying their seasonal green chili tamales.

When people think of Utah, Salt Lake City often comes to mind. However, Park City is another popular destination known for its Olympic training facility and spa retreats. Even though Park City’s peak months are winter, there is plenty to do all year round.

Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the numerous biking and hiking trails. A trip to the city wouldn’t be complete without an afternoon spent wandering around Historic Main Street.

Situated on the central coast of California is the Spanish-colonial-style city of Santa Barabara. A relaxing week’s vacation could be filled with shopping at upscale boutiques and eating at the farm-to-table restaurants.

When you are not strolling through breathtaking architecture, you might enjoy an afternoon basking in the sun or kayaking through caves off the shore of the Channel Islands National Park. Whatever you decide to do, it’s guaranteed to be an amazing experience. 

The Himalayan mountains are home to some of the Earth’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest. If you’re not up for an extremely difficult mountain expedition, have no fear. There are plenty of relaxing actives to partake in when you’re visiting northern India.

As of 2019, Ananda in the Himalayas, a destination spa, has been ranked as the number one spa in the world. Guests can experience the symphony of balance, partake in introductory wellness programs, and take gentle strolls along the picturesque hill trails.

Anyone who has had the pleasure of visiting Provence, France, has seen the diverse landscapes this southern region has to offer. Traveling through, you easily pass from rolling green hills and pine forests to clear ocean shores.

Provence is one of the most relaxing districts of France. Visitors tend to enjoy a calm afternoon stroll past lavender fields and a wine-tasting experience at one of the local vineyards.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is known for being the location of a historic battle. However, people may be surprised to hear that it is also one of the best relaxing getaways in the United States.

The historically rich city offers its guests relaxing spa treatments, fun horseback riding, and delicious wine tastings.

A visit to Gettysburg wouldn’t be complete without a night at The Inn at White Oak. The charming hotel boasts a heated pool, beautiful gardens, and a formal parlor.

Charming countrysides, rolling green hills, and sandy shores are just a few things that make East Sussex so enchanting. A relaxing day in the region could include a beach morning at Camber Sands and an afternoon stroll by the picture-perfect Seven Sisters cliffs.

When you’re not off wandering around the English countryside, there is still plenty to do. You could enjoy a warm cup of tea and a yummy mince pie with views of the Bodiam Castle at the Wharf Tea Rooms.

Only a select few locations across the United States are able to boast that they are a hideaway for the rich and famous. Martha’s Vineyard has welcomed former President Barack Obama, Bill Murray, and Reese Witherspoon, just to name a few.

The laidback island offers its guests total privacy and breathtaking beach views. When you’re not enjoying a tropical drink on the beach, you could take a stroll to Gay Head Lighthouse or take a ride on the Flying Horse Carousel.

Located just west of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains is the vibrant city of Asheville. This quaint, artistic city would make the perfect romantic getaway.

A relaxing weekend itinerary might include plenty of time to enjoy a glass of wine and a good book by the fire along with an afternoon spent at the Biltmore Estate. The historic house is better described as a Châteauesque-style palace. It was originally built by George Vanderbilt in 1895.

Between mid-September through late October, the Pocono Mountains come to life. (Technically speaking, they begin to die.) The vast forests of northern Pennsylvania transform into rustic golden hues during the fall. A trip to the Poconos wouldn’t be the same without witnessing the leaves change.

A night at the Pocono Palace Resort would leave you feeling fully submerged in nature’s beauty. Enjoy a relaxing vacation to this enchanting region by taking a hike through Bushkill Falls and tasting the wine at The Renegade Winery.

Nestled away in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas sits the quaint town of Hot Springs. Every year, thousands of visitors travel from across the country to bathe in the natural hot springs found here.

The mineral-rich waters contain healing properties that leave visitors feeling rejuvenated. After an afternoon basking in natural elements, you could enjoy a round of golf or take a walk through Hot Springs National Park.

Dinner reservations at Steinhaus Keller are suggested for anyone who enjoys a delicious German meal and an unforgettable experience.

The tiny island of Nantucket is located just south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The beach town has a charming atmosphere. During its peak summer months, you will see families cruising around on bikes, couples enjoying a cold drink on the beach, and children building sandcastles.

Despite being known as a laidback town, Nantucket also has a lively restaurant scene. Some exciting eateries are The Proprietors Bar & Table, The Nautilus, and the Straight Wharf Restaurant.

Southern hospitality has a way of making you feel right at home. The coastal town of Savannah is separated from South Carolina by the Savannah River. It’s home to some of the most breathtaking Spanish architecture and adorable cobblestoned streets.

A few of the most popular tourist attracts include the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Savannah’s Historic District, and The Georgia (Wine) Tasting Room.

A getaway to Savannah, Georgia, can be filled with both relaxation and fun.